Hooks — How to Choose, Inspect, and Use
Quick answer: What hook do you need?
- Permanent chain sling terminus with eye attachment? → Eye hoist hook (Crosby L-320AN)
- Lifting with rotation / anti-twist needed? → Swivel hoist hook (Crosby L-322AN)
- Chain sling with direct chain-through connection? → Clevis sling hook
- Chain shortener (adjust sling length)? → Grab hook (clevis or eye)
- High-volume manual handling in a foundry? → Foundry / sorting hook
- Personnel lifting or critical load? → Self-locking hook (positive-engagement latch)
- Synthetic (web/round) sling attachment? → Wide-bail synthetic sling hook (Crosby S-287, WSL-320A)
The critical safety rule: HOOKS SUPPORT THE LOAD, LATCHES DO NOT
The hook body — not the latch — supports the load. The latch is a safety bar that prevents the sling or hardware from accidentally disengaging. A distorted or bent latch means the hook must be removed from service immediately.
Tip loading — don't do it
Load goes in the BOWL of the hook, not the tip. Tip loading concentrates the load on the narrowest part of the hook, can exceed rated capacity at a fraction of the marked load, and is a primary cause of hook failures.
Crosby QUIC-CHECK — modern inspection aid
Crosby hooks have two visual markings forged into the body:
- Deformation Indicators — two marks aligning to a tape measure in inch or half-inch increments when new. If they no longer align, the throat has stretched and the hook is compromised.
- Angle Indicators — show the maximum included angle allowed between two sling legs in the hook.
Included angle for two-leg attachment
When two sling legs meet in a hook, the included angle between them must be less than 90°. If the hook or load is tilted, nothing must bear against the bottom of the latch.
Inspection checklist
- Visual check before each shift for cracks, nicks, gouges, wear, deformation
- Throat opening must not exceed 5% stretch (or QUIC-CHECK misalignment)
- Tip must not be bent more than 10° out of plane
- Latch: not distorted, not bent, spring forces against hook tip
- Annual documented inspection per ASME B30.10 (Magnetic Particle or Dye Penetrant)
- Never repair by welding, heating, or bending — remove from service
Personnel hoisting — strict OSHA requirements
Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(B), only these hook configurations may be used for personnel hoisting:
- Crosby or McKissick hook with PL latch secured by bolt, nut, and cotter (or Crosby toggle pin)
- Crosby hook with S-4320 latch secured by cotter pin
- Crosby SHUR-LOC hook in the locked position
A Crosby hook with an SS-4055 latch is NOT acceptable for personnel lifting.
Latch replacement kits
- Campbell 916-G — for Campbell-brand hooks (clapper style, zinc-plated)
- Campbell 916-U — universal, fits most brands
- Campbell PL-Style — for Campbell Cam-Alloy, Quik-Alloy, Integrated Tip hooks
- Crosby PL / S-4320 — for Crosby hooks
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This guide is based on manufacturer documentation from Crosby, Van Beest, Campbell, Gunnebo, Liftex, LIFT-TEX, and industry standards (ASME B30.9, B30.10, B30.26; WSTDA-WS-2; AWRF Recommended Practices; OSHA 29 CFR 1910.184 and 1926.251). Refer to the specific manufacturer's documentation for final application decisions. SlingCenter is not a lawyer, engineer, or inspector — our guidance complements but does not replace a qualified rigger's judgment.